Movie Night: Goldfinger.

Review #291: Goldfinger.

Cast
Sean Connery (James Bond), Gert Fröbe (Auric Goldfinger), Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore), Harold Sakata (Oddjob), Cec Linder (Felix Leiter), Bernard Lee (M), Martin Benson (Mr. Solo), Tania Mallet (Tilly Masterson), Shirley Eaton (Jill Masterson), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Guy Hamilton (#280 - Diamonds Are Forever and #289 -The Man with the Golden Gun)

Review
Goldfinger was the third Bond film, released a year after the success of From Russia with Love (#277), but is this better then that film? That is debatable, but either way Goldfinger is a good film. Connery does a fine job yet again, being consistent in his portrayal of Bond. Frobe does an excellent job as the third villain of the series (Third of many), being more down to earth, and yet still threatening. The motifs of gold are a bit subtle. (This would be parodied in #134 - Austin Powers in Goldmember) But what I find excellent is Harold Sakata as Oddjob. The way he moves and used that hat without saying words is truly a sight to see. The action is good for the most part, entertaining and yet useful. Blackman does a good job as the leading lady, alluring and interesting. While there might be some humor, it does not get in the way of the plot. This is a film that still works after over 40 years, and with style indeed. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Jason and the Argonauts (1963).

Review #111: Jason and the Argonauts.

Cast
Todd Armstrong (Jason), Nancy Kovack (Medea), Gary Raymond (Acastus), Laurence Naismith (Argos), Niall MacGinnis (Zeus), Michael Gwynn (Hermes), Douglas Wilmer (Pelias), Jack Gwillim (King Aeetes), Honor Blackman (Hera), John Cairney (Hylas), and Patrick Troughton (Phineas). Directed by Don Chaffey with stop motion by Ray Harryhausen.

Review
This is a classic, pure and simple to the point. The film has star power, effects, story, and just plain usefulness. The acting is allright, with a decent story, considering the fact the mythology is slightly changed from the myth and all (Because none of them is expected to be perfect) But I think the most breakout thing is Ray Harryhausen's special effects, especially the skeletons. It is truly beautiful looking, still looking real compared to today's, but then again it's not exactly a fair comparison. But either way, it helps the film in little ways, not too much, making this film a must see.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.